AAPL Options Signal Bullish Bias: Key Strikes and Trade Setups for Dec 19–26

• Apple’s price sits near its 20-day MA at $276.39, but below key 30D support at $278.61.
• Call open interest dominates at $300 strikes, while puts pile up at $230—hinting at a bullish skew.
• Block trades show big money buying $240 calls and $230 puts, suggesting hedging or speculative bets.

Here’s the takeaway: AAPL is caught in a tug-of-war. Short-term technicals and options data lean bearish, but long-term fundamentals and call-heavy positioning hint at a potential rebound. Let’s break it down.

What the Options Chain Reveals About Market Sentiment

The options market is a goldmine of hidden signals. Right now, calls at $300 (OI: 49,063) and puts at $230 (OI: 22,605) stand out. That’s not random—it’s a sign of where big players are bracing for action. The put/call ratio of 0.716 (calls > puts) reinforces a bullish bias, even as the stock trades near its intraday low of $271.79.

But don’t ignore the risks. The bearish engulfing candle and MACD crossing below its signal line (2.73 vs. 3.79) suggest near-term weakness. If AAPL breaks below the Bollinger Band lower bound at $265.13, those $230 puts could get a rush of buyers. Block trades like the AAPL20250919P255 puts (sold twice for ~$475K) and AAPL20251017C240 calls (bought 880 contracts) hint at hedging or speculative bets. Think of it like a storm: the market is preparing for either a downpour or a rainbow.

How News and Fundamentals Fit Into the Picture

Apple’s recent headlines are a mixed bag. On one hand, executive share sales and rising chip costs weigh on sentiment. On the other, Barclays’ $298.60 price target and planned iPhone expansion (seven models by 2027) keep long-term optimism alive. The key question: Will investors trust Apple’s growth story despite near-term headwinds? The options data leans yes—but only if the stock holds above $265.13.

Actionable Trade Ideas for Today

For options traders, focus on these setups:

• Bull Call Spread: Buy AAPL20251219C280 (next Friday’s expiry) if AAPL breaks above $276.38. Target: $280–$290. Risk: Below $271.79.
• Bear Put Spread: Buy AAPL20251219P270 if the price dips below $265.13. Target: $250–$230. Risk: Above $279.01.

For stock traders, consider:

• Entry near $271.79 (intraday low) with a stop-loss at $265.13. Target: 30D support at $278.61.
• Scale in if AAPL tests the 200D MA at $211.10 (unlikely but not impossible).

Volatility on the Horizon

The next two weeks will test AAPL’s resolve. If the stock holds above $265.13, the call-heavy positioning could fuel a rebound toward $290. But a breakdown would validate the bearish engulfing pattern and send puts like AAPL20251226P260 (OI: 8,487) into overdrive. Either way, the options market has already priced in extremes—so the real action starts when reality meets expectation.